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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Ramsey County, ND

Summer squash includes zucchini, yellow crookneck, and pattypan varieties that are harvested young and tender. They are prolific producers in warm weather.

Ramsey County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 134 days.

At an elevation of 649 feet, Ramsey County receives approximately 24.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Summer) to ensure they mature before fall.

Ramsey County, ND (Zone 3b) Short season
134 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
134 growing days
First Fall Frost September 24

Ramsey County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (1 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 27 Transplant: May 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (1 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 1 Transplant: Jun 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (2 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 14 Transplant: Jun 16 🍅 Harvest: Aug 4 – Oct 6

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 350 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Squash (Summer) needs ~591 GDD — county provides 1,440 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Ramsey County, ND

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Apr 15
Transplant Outdoors June 3 Jun 3 โ€“ Jun 17
Direct Sow May 27 May 27 โ€“ Jun 17
Harvest July 22 Jul 22 โ€“ Sep 23

Plant 1" deep ยท 30" apart ยท Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

45โ€“65 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 3b

Growing Season

134 days

Growing Tips for Ramsey County

Direct sow after last frost on mounds. Harvest frequently when fruits are 6-8 inches for best texture. Check plants daily as they grow rapidly in summer heat.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Ramsey County, ND?

Ramsey County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ramsey County, ND?

Ramsey County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 24.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Ramsey County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Ramsey County, ND. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.